Radiotherapy improvements

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a method for inducing an abscopal response to radiotherapy in an individual.

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/091,706, filed Oct. 5, 2018, which is a national phase applicationunder 35 U.S.C. § 371 of International Application No.PCT/AU2017/050299, filed Apr. 6, 2017, which claims the priority to U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 62/318,946, filed Apr. 6, 2016,International Application No. PCT/AU2016/050674, filed Jul. 28, 2016,and to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/461,559, filed Feb.21, 2017, the entirety of each are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to radiotherapy of cancer and to abscopalresponses to radiotherapy.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Reference to any prior art in the specification is not an acknowledgmentor suggestion that this prior art forms part of the common generalknowledge in any jurisdiction or that this prior art could reasonably beexpected to be understood, regarded as relevant, and/or combined withother pieces of prior art by a skilled person in the art.

Ionising radiation is a standard form of therapy in the management ofcancer. Its objective is to induce damage to a cancer cell's DNA, RNAand cellular proteins to an extent that exceeds the ability of thecancer cell to repair that damage, leading to death of the cell.

When non-irradiated cells respond to radiation, the response is known asa “bystander effect”. According to (Marin A. et al. 2015 Reports PractOncol and Radiother 20:12-21), a bystander effect may apply to cellswhich neighbour irradiated cells, or cells which do not neighbourirradiated cells. The latter includes cells that are located innon-irradiated tumours, and potentially tumours that are located in adifferent anatomical compartment to the tumour that has receivedradiation.

In general, the bystander effect observed in non-irradiated cells mimicsthe direct effects of radiation including an increased frequency ofapoptosis, micro-nucleation, DNA strand breaks and mutations, alteredlevels or activity of regulatory proteins and enzymes, reducedclonogenic efficiency and oncogenic transformation.

Marin et al. supra describes the bystander effect applying tonon-irradiated cells that neighbour irradiated cells as being “theradiobiological events arising from the radiation effect”.

Where a bystander effect is observed in non-irradiated cells that arenot neighbours of the irradiated cells, the effect is referred to as an‘abscopal effect’, or an ‘abscopal response’ to irradiation and it hasbeen explained as a “clinical change related to radiation effect”.

In more detail, the result of radiotherapy at one tumour site mayprofoundly influence the biology of tumours at other locations in thebody that have not been irradiated. Mole R et al 1953 J Radiol 26:234-41described abscopal responses to radiotherapy some 70 years ago. Sincethis time, there have been numerous anecdotal reports of abscopaleffects in patients receiving radiotherapy.

In one example, an abscopal response was observed in untreatedmetastatic disease following local primary tumour-directed therapy(Orton A. et al. 2016 Cureus 8(10):e821.DOI 10.7759/cureus.821). Inanother example, an abscopal response was observed in lung metastases ofhepatocellular carcinoma (Okuma K et al. 2011 J Med Case Rep 5:111).Other examples include an abscopal effect in a case of toruliformpara-aortic lymph node metastasis in a patient with advance uterinecervical carcinoma (Takaya M et al 2007 Anticancer Res: 27-499-503) andin a patient treated with an anti-CTLA-4 antibody and radiotherapy formelanoma (Postow et al M 2012 N. Enql. J. Med 366:925-31) and inhepatocellular carcinoma (Lock M et al. 2015 Cureus7:e344.10.7759/cureus.344). Other disease histologies where abscopaleffects have been reported are described in Reynder K et al. 2015 CancerTreat Rev 41:503-10.

Given the significant benefit to a patient of having all tumours withinthe body responding to the limited irradiation of a few tumours, itwould be useful to increase the likelihood of formation of an abscopaleffect in an individual having metastatic cancer, or even a conditioninvolving a plurality of primary tumours, including benign tumours, asthis would mean a higher likelihood that the irradiation of some of theindividual's tumours might lead to a complete or partial response toradiotherapy, including for example the elimination or at leastminimisation of some or all of the individual's non-irradiated tumours.

Further, treatment of tumours that are otherwise anatomicallyinaccessible to radiotherapy may also be possible.

Further, an abscopal response of tumours within the brain where the useof radiotherapy is highly restricted may be possible.

Prostate cancer is a disease of particular concern and that mightbenefit from an abscopal response, as this disease in metastatic formhas a high mortality rate and sometimes presents in the form multiplemetastatic nodules located in physiologically sensitive or anatomicallyinaccessible compartments such as the vertebrae.

As mentioned, abscopal responses to radiotherapy have generally beenobserved anecdotally. They are also infrequently reported.

Attempts to harness the effect, so as to reproducibly cause regressionof non-irradiated tumours have utilised immunotherapy in combinationwith radiotherapy. While the CD-8 T cells and macrophages are consideredby some to be an essential component of the effect in humans, themolecular basis for the effect, whether an immunological basis, orotherwise, remains unknown.

There is a need to improve the likelihood of formation of, or to inducethe formation of, an abscopal effect to radiotherapy in an individualhaving multiple tumours, especially an individual having solid tumours,one example being metastatic prostate cancer.

There is a need to improve the likelihood of formation of, or to inducethe formation of, a complete or partial response to radiotherapy in anindividual wherein said individual has multiple tumours and in whichsome but not all of the tumours of the individual are irradiated,especially an individual having solid tumours, one example beingmetastatic prostate cancer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention seeks to provide improvements in radiotherapy and/or toaddress one of the above mentioned needs and in one embodiment providesa method for inducing an abscopal response to radiotherapy in anindividual including:

-   -   providing an individual having a plurality of tumours,    -   administering a compound of Formula I or Formula II to the        individual,

wherein Formula (I) is

wherein

R₁ is H, or R_(A)CO where R_(A) is C₁₋₁₀ alkyl or an amino acid;

R₂ is H, OH, or R_(B) where R_(B) is an amino acid or COR_(A) whereR_(A) is as previously defined;

A and B together with the atoms between them form a six membered ringselected from the group

wherein

R₄ is H, COR_(D) where R_(D) is H, OH, C₁₋₁₀ alkyl or an amino acid,CO₂R_(C) where R_(C) is C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, COR_(E) where R_(E) is H, C₁₋₁₀alkyl or an amino acid, or CONHR_(E) where R_(E) is as previouslydefined;

R₅ is H, CO₂R_(C) where R_(C) is as previously defined, or COR_(C)OR_(E)where R_(C) and R_(E) are as previously defined, and where the two R₅groups are attached to the same group they are the same or different;

X is O, N or S;

Y is

where R₇ is H, or C₁₋₁₀ alkyl; and

wherein Formula II is:

wherein

R₁ is H, or R_(A)CO where R_(A) is C₁₋₁₀ alkyl or an amino acid;

R₂ is H, OH, or R_(B) where R_(B) is an amino acid or COR_(A) whereR_(A) is as previously defined;

A and B together with the atoms between them form the group:

wherein

R₄ is H, COR_(D) where R_(D) is H, OH, C₁₋₁₀ alkyl or an amino acid,CO₂R_(C) where R_(C) is C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, COR_(E) where R_(E) is H, C₁₋₁₀alkyl or an amino acid, or CONHR_(E) where R_(E) is as previouslydefined;

R₅ is substituted or unsubstituted aryl or substituted or unsubstitutedheteroaryl;

X is O, N or S;

Y is

where R₇ is H, or C₁₋₁₀ alkyl; and

-   -   irradiating the individual with a cytotoxic dose of ionising        radiation so that fewer than all of the plurality of tumours are        irradiated, thereby resulting in the individual having        irradiated and non-irradiated tumours,

wherein one or more non-irradiated tumours regresses following theadministration of the compound and the irradiation of the individual,

thereby inducing an abscopal response to radiotherapy in the individual.

In another embodiment there is provided a method for inducing a completeor partial response to radiotherapy in an individual wherein theindividual has multiple tumours and the radiotherapy involves theirradiation of fewer than all of the tumours of the individual,including:

-   -   providing an individual having multiple tumours,    -   administering a compound of Formula I or Formula II (described        above) to the individual,    -   irradiating the individual with a cytotoxic dose of ionising        radiation so that fewer than all of the tumours are irradiated,        thereby resulting in the individual having irradiated and        non-irradiated tumours,

wherein one or more non-irradiated tumours regresses following theadministration of the compound and the irradiation of the individual,

thereby inducing a complete or partial response to radiotherapy in theindividual.

In another embodiment there is provided a method for inducing a completeor partial response to radiotherapy in an individual wherein theindividual has multiple tumours and the radiotherapy involves theirradiation of fewer than all of the tumours of the individual,including:

-   -   irradiating an individual having a plurality of tumours, and who        has received a compound of Formula I or Formula II (described        above), with a cytotoxic dose of ionising radiation so that        fewer than all of the plurality of tumours are irradiated,        thereby inducing a complete or partial response to radiotherapy        in the individual.

In another embodiment there is provided a use of a compound of Formula Ior Formula II (described above) for inducing a complete or partialresponse in an individual to radiotherapy of cancer wherein theindividual has multiple tumours and the multiple tumours includeirradiated tumours and at least one non-irradiated tumour.

In another embodiment there is provided a compound of Formula I orFormula II (described above) for use in inducing a complete or partialresponse in an individual to radiotherapy of cancer wherein theindividual has multiple tumours and the multiple tumours includeirradiated tumours and at least one non-irradiated tumour.

In the above described embodiments the tumours are typically solidtumours and may be prostate cancer, especially metastatic prostatecancer.

In the above described embodiments the compound of Formula I may be:

In the above described embodiments the compound of Formula I, such asidronoxil, or of Formula II, may be administered rectally.

In another embodiment there is provided a kit for use in a methoddescribed above including:

-   -   a composition including a compound of Formula I or Formula II;    -   written instructions for use of the kit in a method for inducing        an abscopal response to radiotherapy in an individual as        described above.

Further aspects of the present invention and further embodiments of theaspects described in the preceding paragraphs will become apparent fromthe following description.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to certain embodiments of theinvention. While the invention will be described in conjunction with theembodiments, it will be understood that the intention is not to limitthe invention to those embodiments. On the contrary, the invention isintended to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents,which may be included within the scope of the present invention asdefined by the claims.

One skilled in the art will recognize many methods and materials similaror equivalent to those described herein, which could be used in thepractice of the present invention. The present invention is in no waylimited to the methods and materials described.

It will be understood that the invention disclosed and defined in thisspecification extends to all alternative combinations of two or more ofthe individual features mentioned or evident from the text. All of thesedifferent combinations constitute various alternative aspects of theinvention.

As used herein, except where the context requires otherwise, the term“comprise” and variations of the term, such as “comprising”, “comprises”and “comprised”, are not intended to exclude further additives,components, integers or steps.

As described herein, the invention generally relates to improvements inradiotherapy that provide for abscopal responses in patients havingmultiple tumours. According to the invention, complete or partialresponses of an individual to radiotherapy are observed in circumstanceswhere some, but not all of the individual's tumours are irradiated, andespecially in non-irradiated tumours that do not neighbour theirradiated tumours, for example tumours that are located outside of afield in which irradiation is given, examples of which include tumoursthat are located in the same organ or connective tissue but outside ofthe irradiation field, and tumours that are located in different organs,tissues or anatomical compartments to those tumours that are irradiated.

An ‘irradiated tumour’ refers to a tumour that has been exposed to abeam of ionising radiation for the purpose of causing regression of thetumour.

A ‘non-irradiated tumours’ refers to a tumour that (a) has not beenexposed to a beam of ionising radiation and (b) that does not directlyneighbour, or is not adjacent to an irradiated tumour.

The effect on non-irradiated tumours appears to derive from theirradiation of isoflavanoid-treated tumours. While not wanting to bebound by hypothesis it is believed that non-irradiated isoflavanoidtreated tumours are susceptible to factors released from isoflavanoidtreated irradiated tumours, resulting in the regression ofnon-irradiated tumours and observations of partial or completeresponses. Further the abscopal effect leading to partial or completeresponse is not simply a function of radio-sensitisation of tumours toradiotherapy, because, by definition the effect is observed innon-irradiated tumours.

‘Regression’ and ‘regress’ and ‘regresses’ generally refers to thereduction in tumour size or growth of a tumour, resulting in thecomplete or partial involution or elimination of a tumour.

Thus in one embodiment there is provided a method for inducing acomplete or partial response to radiotherapy in an individual or forinducing an abscopal response to radiotherapy wherein the individual hasmultiple tumours and the radiotherapy involves the irradiation of fewerthan all of the tumours of the individual, including:

-   -   irradiating an individual having a plurality of tumours, and who        has received a compound of Formula I or Formula II, with a        cytotoxic dose of ionising radiation so that fewer than all of        the plurality of tumours are irradiated, thereby inducing a        complete or partial response to radiotherapy in the individual,        or inducing an abscopal response to radiotherapy.

In another embodiment there is provided a method for inducing a completeor partial response to radiotherapy in an individual wherein theindividual has multiple tumours and the radiotherapy involves theirradiation of fewer than all of the tumours of the individual,including:

-   -   providing an individual having multiple tumours,    -   administering a compound of Formula I or Formula II to the        individual,    -   irradiating the individual with a cytotoxic dose of ionising        radiation so that fewer than all of the tumours are irradiated,        thereby resulting in the individual having irradiated and        non-irradiated tumours,

wherein one or more non-irradiated tumours regresses following theadministration of the compound and the irradiation of the individual,

thereby inducing a complete or partial response to radiotherapy in theindividual.

A. Compounds

According to the invention, Compounds of Formula I or Formula II areutilised to provide improvements in radiotherapy and specifically toprovide for regression of tumours that are not subjected toradiotherapy. These compounds are described by Formula I

wherein

R₁ is H, or R_(A)CO where R_(A) is C₁₋₁₀ alkyl or an amino acid,

R₂ is H, OH, or R_(B) where R_(B) is an amino acid or COR_(A) whereR_(A) is as previously defined;

A and B together with the atoms between them form a six membered ringselected from the group

wherein

R₄ is H, COR_(D) where R_(D) is H, OH, C₁₋₁₀ alkyl or an amino acid,CO₂R_(C) where R_(C) is C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, COR_(E) where R_(E) is H, C₁₋₁₀alkyl or an amino acid, or CONHR_(E) where R_(E) is as previouslydefined;

R₅ is H, CO₂R_(C) where R_(C) is as previously defined, or COR_(C)OR_(E)where R_(C) and R_(E) are as previously defined, and where the two R₅groups are attached to the same group they are the same or different;

X is O, Nor S;

Y is

where R₇ is H, or C₁₋₁₀ alkyl; and

Preferably, X is O.

In preferred embodiments, the compound of formula (I) is selected fromthe group consisting of

wherein

R₈ is H or COR_(D) where R_(D) is as previously defined;

R₉ is CO₂R_(C) or COR_(E) where R_(C) and R_(E) are as previouslydefined;

R₁₀ is COR_(C) or COR_(C)OR_(E) where R_(C) and R_(E) are as previouslydefined;

R₁₁ is H or OH;

R₁₂ is H, COOH, CO₂R_(C) where R_(C) and is as previously defined, orCONHR_(E) where R_(E) is as previously defined; and

Some of the compounds discussed above may be referred to by the namesdihydrodaidzein (compound 1 where R₈ is H), dihydrogenestein (compounds2 and 5), tetrahydrodaidzein (compound 8) and equol and dehydroequol(compound 10).

Preferably, the compound of Formula (I) is

-   -   wherein R₁₁ and R₁₂ are as defined above.

Even more preferably, the compound of Formula (I) is

otherwise known as idronoxil (also known as phenoxodiol; dehydroequol;Haginin E (2H-1-Benzopyran-7-0,1,3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)).

In another aspect, the isoflavonoids for use in the methods of theinvention described are shown by Formula II:

wherein

R₁ is H, or R_(A)CO where R_(A) is C₁₋₁₀ alkyl or an amino acid;

R₂ is H, OH, or R_(B) where R_(B) is an amino acid or COR_(A) whereR_(A) is as previously defined;

A and B together with the atoms between them form the group:

wherein

R₄ is H, COR_(D) where R_(D) is H, OH, C₁₋₁₀ alkyl or an amino acid,CO₂R_(C) where R_(C) is C₁₋₁₀ alkyl, COR_(E) where R_(E) is H, C₁₋₁₀alkyl or an amino acid, or CONHR_(E) where R_(E) is as previouslydefined;

R₅ is substituted or unsubstituted aryl or substituted or unsubstitutedheteroaryl;

X is O, N or S;

Y is

where R₇ is H, or C₁₋₁₀ alkyl; and

In one preferred embodiment, R₅ is aryl substituted with an alkoxygroup.

Preferably, the alkoxy group is methoxy. In another preferredembodiment, R₅ is hydroxyl-substituted aryl.

In preferred embodiments, the compound of Formula II is

As used herein the term “alkyl” refers to a straight or branched chainhydrocarbon radical having from one to ten carbon atoms, or any rangebetween, i.e. it contains 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 carbon atoms.The alkyl group is optionally substituted with substituents, multipledegrees of substitution being allowed. Examples of “alkyl” as usedherein include, but are not limited to, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl,isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, t-butyl, n-pentyl, isopentyl, and thelike.

As used herein, the term “C₁₋₁₀ alkyl” refers to an alkyl group, asdefined above, containing at least 1, and at most 10 carbon atomsrespectively, or any range in between (e.g. alkyl groups containing 2-5carbon atoms are also within the range of C₁₋₁₀).

Preferably the alkyl groups contain from 1 to 5 carbons and morepreferably are methyl, ethyl or propyl.

As used herein, the term “aryl” refers to an optionally substitutedbenzene ring. The aryl group is optionally substituted withsubstituents, multiple degrees of substitution being allowed.

As used herein, the term “heteroaryl” refers to a monocyclic five, sixor seven membered aromatic ring containing one or more nitrogen, sulfur,and/or oxygen heteroatoms, where N-oxides and sulfur oxides and dioxidesare permissible heteroatom substitutions and may be optionallysubstituted with up to three members. Examples of “heteroaryl” groupsused herein include furanyl, thiophenyl, pyrrolyl, imidazolyl,pyrazolyl, triazolyl, tetrazolyl, thiazolyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl,oxadiazolyl, oxo-pyridyl, thiadiazolyl, isothiazolyl, pyridyl,pyridazyl, pyrazinyl, pyrimidyl and substituted versions thereof.

A “substituent” as used herein, refers to a molecular moiety that iscovalently bonded to an atom within a molecule of interest. For example,a “ring substituent” may be a moiety such as a halogen, alkyl group, orother substituent described herein that is covalently bonded to an atom,preferably a carbon or nitrogen atom, that is a ring member. The term“substituted,” as used herein, means that any one or more hydrogens onthe designated atom is replaced with a selection from the indicatedsubstituents, provided that the designated atom's normal valence is notexceeded, and that the substitution results in a stable compound, i.e.,a compound that can be isolated, characterised and tested for biologicalactivity.

The terms “optionally substituted” or “may be substituted” and the like,as used throughout the specification, denotes that the group may or maynot be further substituted, with one or more non-hydrogen substituentgroups. Suitable chemically viable substituents for a particularfunctional group will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Examples of substituents include but are not limited to:

C₁-C₆ alkyl, C₁-C₆ haloalkyl, C₁-C₆ haloalkoxy, C₁-C₆ hydroxyalkyl,C₃-C₇ heterocyclyl, C₃-C₇ cycloalkyl, C₁-C₆ alkoxy, C₁-C₆ alkylsulfanyl,C₁-C₆ alkylsulfenyl, C₁-C₆ alkylsulfonyl, C₁-C₆ alkylsulfonylamino,arylsulfonoamino, alkylcarboxy, alkylcarboxyamide, oxo, hydroxy,mercapto, amino, acyl, carboxy, carbamoyl, aminosulfonyl, acyloxy,alkoxycarbonyl, nitro, cyano or halogen.

The term “isoflavonoid” as used herein is to be taken broadly andincludes isoflavones, isoflavenes, isoflavans, isoflavanones,isoflavanols and similar or related compounds. Some non-limitingexamples of isoflavonoid core structures are shown below:

Methods for synthesis of the above described compounds are described inWO1998/008503 and WO2005/049008 and references cited therein towards thesynthesis, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference inentirety.

B. Dosage

Certain isoflavonoids according to Formula I and Formula II, and inparticular, genestein and idronoxil have been proposed for use intreatment of cancer, especially metastatic disease involving solidtumours. However, in various clinical trials these compounds have beenobserved to be unable to provide either a complete or partial responseto cancer, and at best they may slow disease progression. In particular,in a phase Ib/IIa safety and efficacy study of idronoxil in males withhormone refractory prostate cancer given idronoxil ranging from 20 to400 mg, the disease had progressed in most individuals by 6 months fromtreatment Alvaro A. US Oncological Review, 20084(1):39-41. Relatedobservations were also made in clinical trials of idronoxil on othertumours, clearly pointing to the inability of the isoflavanoids alone,such as idronoxil alone, to provide a partial or complete response totreatment.

As described herein, the compounds of Formula I or II and especiallyidronoxil are provided to increase the likelihood of an abscopalresponse to radiotherapy. An ‘abscopal response’ is generally understoodas referring to tumour regression at sites distant to an irradiatedfield, and is seen generally in patients with various types ofmetastatic tumours receiving palliative radiotherapy to a singlemetastasis. The tumour distant to the irradiated field that issusceptible to an abscopal effect may be located in the same anatomicalcompartment i.e. the same organ or connective tissue as the irradiatedtumour.

A ‘complete response’ to therapy is generally understood as meaning thedisappearance of all detectable signs of cancer in response totreatment. According to the invention, a complete response arises fromthe elimination of tumours by irradiation and the elimination of tumours(which are not irradiated) by the abscopal response or effect.

A ‘partial response’ is generally understood as meaning a decrease intumour load in an individual, for example in terms of tumour number,size and growth rate. A partial response may increase the time todisease progression. According to the invention, a partial response mayarise from the regression of tumours by irradiation and the regressionof tumours (which are not irradiated) by the abscopal effect.

In the embodiments of the invention described herein, a clinicalresponse, such as a complete response or a partial response may bedefined by RECIST 1.0 criteria (Therasse P, et al.) 2000 J. Natl CancerInst 92:2015-16 as described in herein.

According to the invention a compound of Formula I or II is provided tothe individual in amounts that at least increase the likelihood offormation of an abscopal response, or that at least increase thelikelihood of creation of an abscopal effect as such a response oreffect is important for providing either a partial or complete responsein circumstances where some, but not all tumours of the individual areirradiated.

Typically a compound of Formula I or II, preferably idronoxil, isprovided to the individual in amount of 10 to 30 mg/kg, preferably 15-25mg/kg.

The compound of Formula I or II, preferably idronoxil, may be providedbefore the commencement of radiotherapy, for example, for a period of upto 14 days, preferably from 1 to 7 days. Preferably the compound isprovided on a consecutive daily basis.

The compound of Formula I or II, preferably idronoxil, may be providedin a daily amount of about 100 to 900 mg, preferably 400 or 800 mg.

The compound of Formula I or II, preferably idronoxil, may be providedon each day that radiotherapy is given.

The compound of Formula I or II, preferably idronoxil, may be providedfor a period of up to 3 months post the final radiotherapy treatment,preferably for about 14 days.

In one embodiment, idronoxil is dosed daily for 13 consecutive days (1day before radiotherapy, on each day of radiotherapy (totaling 5 days)and on each day for 7 days following radiotherapy.

In certain embodiments, a compound of Formula I or Formula II,preferably idronoxil is administered to the individual by rectaladministration.

As described herein, the inventor has found that oleaginous bases (i.e.hydrophobic or lipophilic bases) enable the therapeutic effect of anisoflavonoid, whereas hydrophilic bases, such as PEG, cyclodextrin andthe like do not.

In the disclosure below, ‘base’ may refer to a substance commonly usedas a carrier in a suppository, pessary or intra-urethral device.

Generally the base has a solvent power for the isoflavonoid enabling atleast partial, preferably complete dissolution of the isoflavonoid inthe base.

The base may be comprised of, or consist of an oil or fat.

In one embodiment the base includes saturated fatty acids in an amountof 50 to 65% w/w base. Stearic acid may be included in an amount of 25to 40% w/w base. Palmitic acid may be included in an amount of 25 to 30%w/w base. Longer chain saturated fatty acids such as myristic, arachidicand lauric acid may be included in an amount of <2% w/w base.

In one embodiment the lipophilic suppository base contains fatty acidsand wherein 50 to 100% of the fatty acids of the base are saturatedfatty acids, preferably, 90 to 99% of the fatty acids of the base aresaturated fatty acids. 30 to 60%, preferably about 40% of fatty acids ofthe base may be stearic acid. 20 to 30%, preferably about 25% of fattyacids of the base may be palmitic acid. 15 to 25%, preferably about 20%of fatty acids of the base may be lauric acid. 5 to 10%, preferablyabout 8% of fatty acids of the base may be myristic acid.

Further described herein, it has been found that oleaginous bases thatare high in unsaturated fatty acids tend to be less advantageous in theinvention. Typically, the oleaginous base includes unsaturated fattyacids in an amount of 35 to 50% w/w base. Monounsaturated fatty acid maybe included in an amount of 30 to 45% w/w base. Oleic acid may beincluded in an amount of 30 to 40% w/w base. Polyunsaturated fatty acidssuch as linoleic and alpha linolenic acid may be included in an amountof 0 to 5% w/w base.

Theobroma oil (cocoa butter) has been a traditional base in asuppository because of: (a) its non-toxic and non-irritant nature, and(b) its low melting point, meaning that it readily dissolves at bodytemperature when placed within a bodily cavity, However, it isincreasingly being replaced for a number of reasons. One reason is itsvariability in composition, a consequence of its natural origins;Theobroma oil also is polymorphic, meaning it has the ability to existin more than one crystal form. Another is that the formulated productneeds to be kept refrigerated because of its low melting point,rendering it unsuitable in tropical regions. This has led to a number ofsubstitute products offering a range of advantages over Theobroma oilsuch as greater consistency, decreased potential for rancidity, andgreater ability to tailor phase transitions (melting and solidification)to specific formulation, processing, and storage requirements.

Nevertheless, Theobroma oil or a hydrogenated vegetable oil has beenfound to be a preferred embodiment of the invention.

The oleaginous base may comprise a predominance of (>45% w/w base) ofsaturated fatty acids. The oleaginous base may be a Theobroma oil (cocoabutter) or an oil fraction or derivative or synthetic version thereof(such as a hydrogenated vegetable oil) having a saturated fatty acidprofile substantially the same as, or identical to the fatty acidprofile of Theobroma oil.

Other examples of oils that may be used to provide or obtain fatty acidsuseful as bases include those obtainable from natural sources such ascanola oil, palm oil, soya bean oil, vegetable oil, and castor oil. Oilsderived from these sources may be fractionated to obtain oil fractionscontaining saturated fatty acids.

The base may be formed or derived from a hard fat, butter or tallow.

A base may comprise esterified or non-esterified fatty acid chains. Thefatty acid chains may be in the form of mono, di and triglycerides,preferably comprising saturated fatty acid chains of C9-20 chain length.

A suppository base may be formed from synthetic oils or fats, examplesincluding Fattibase, Wecobee, Witepesoll (Dynamit Nobel, Germany),Suppocire (Gatefosse, France, Hydrokote and Dehydag.

The proportion of the oleaginous suppository base in the final productis a function of the dosage of active pharmaceutical ingredient and thepresence of other pharmaceutical or inert ingredient (if any) but may beprovided by way of example in an amount of about 1 to 99% w/wformulation.

The isoflavonoid compositions may be prepared as follows. Theisoflavonoid is contacted with a suppository base (as described above)in molten form in conditions enabling at least partial, preferablycomplete or substantially complete dissolution of the isoflavonoid inthe base. This solution is then poured into a suitable mould, such as aPVC, polyethylene, or aluminium mould. For example, the isoflavonoid maybe contacted with the base at a temperature of from about 35° C. toabout 50° C. and preferably from about 40° C. to about 44° C. Theisoflavonoid can be milled or sieved prior to contact with the base.

In one embodiment, the conditions provided for manufacture, andformulation or device formed from same, enable at least, or provide atleast, 50%, preferably 60%, preferably 70%, preferably 80%, preferably90%, preferably 95% of the isoflavonoid for a given dosage unit to bedissolved in the dosage unit. In these embodiments, no more than 50% ofthe isoflavonoid for a given dosage unit, preferably no more than 40%,preferably no more than 30%, preferably no more than 20%, preferably nomore than 10%, preferably no more than 5% of isoflavonoid for a givendosage unit may be in admixture with, (i.e. undissolved in) thesuppository base of the dosage unit.

In a preferred embodiment, all of the isoflavonoid added to a dosageunit is dissolved in the base. In this embodiment, no isoflavonoid isleft in admixture with the suppository base. This is believed toincrease the likelihood of the uptake of all of the isoflavonoid givenin the dosage unit.

It will be understood that the objective of the manufacture process isnot to admix, or to mingle, or to blend the suppository base with theisoflavonoid as generally occurs in pharmacy practice of admixingcomponents, as it is believed that the resulting admixture would have alower likelihood of providing therapeutic benefit. In this context, itis particularly important that any other excipient, carrier or otherpharmaceutical active does not interfere with the dissolution of theisoflavonoid in the base, for example as may occur if the isoflavonoidforms a complex with a charged molecular species (other pharmaceuticalactive, carrier or excipient), the result of which would be to decreasethe propensity of the complex, and therefore the isoflavonoid containedin it, to dissolve in the suppository base.

Optionally the suppositories, pessaries or intra-urethral devices may becoated, prior to packing, for example with cetyl alcohol, macrogol orpolyvinyl alcohol and polysorbates to increase disintegration time orlubrication or to reduce adhesion on storage.

One or more sample suppositories, pessaries, or intra-urethral devicesfrom each batch produced are preferably tested by the dissolution methodof the present invention for quality control. According to a preferredembodiment, a sample from each batch is tested to determine whether atleast about 75 or 80% by weight of the base dissolves within 2 hours.

Typically the suppository, pessary or like device according to theinvention is substantially hydrophobic or lipophilic throughout and doesnot contain a hydrophilic substance such as hydrophilic carrier orpharmaceutical active, or hydrophilic foci or region formed from theligation or complexing of the isoflavonoid to or with anotherpharmaceutical compound, carrier or excipient.

Preferably the formulation for forming the suppository, pessary anddevices for urethral application does not include a furtherpharmaceutical active, cytotoxic or chemotherapeutic agent. In thisembodiment, the only active is the isoflavonoid and the formulation doesnot include a platin, taxane or other cytotoxic or chemotherapeuticagent.

The total weight of the suppository preferably ranges from about 2250 toabout 2700 mg and more preferably from about 2250 to about 2500 mg.According to one embodiment, the suppository has a total weight rangingfrom about 2300 mg to about 2500 mg.

The suppository or pessary is preferably smooth torpedo-shaped.

The melting point of the suppository or pessary is generally sufficientto melt in the patient's body, and is typically no more than about 37°C.

In one particularly preferred embodiment there is provided:

-   -   a kit including:        -   a plurality of suppositories sufficient in number to provide            an individual with a suppository once daily, or twice daily,            for a period of 30 to 90 days, preferably 30 to 60 days,            preferably 30 days        -   each suppository including:            -   400 mg or 800 mg of idronoxil;            -   a suppository base in the form of cocoa butter;            -   wherein the suppository base in provided an amount of                1-99% w/w of the suppository,    -   the kit further including:        -   written instructions to provide the suppository once daily,            or twice daily for a period of 30 to 90 days, preferably 30            to 60 days, preferably 30 days, preferably for use in a            method described herein, preferably where the cancer is            prostate cancer.

Methods for applying a suppository are well known in the art. Generallythe methods involve inserting the suppository to a point aligned withthe inferior and medial haemorrhoid veins, thereby enabling the releaseof the drug to the inferior vena cavea.

Methods for applying a pessary, or for urethral application of apharmaceutically active ingredient are well known in the art.

C. Tumours

Embodiments of the invention described herein relate to the treatment ofa range of solid tumours, enabling complete or partial response based onirradiation of certain tumours and abscopal responses in non-irradiatedtumours.

The individual requiring treatment has at least two measurable tumours.

The tumours may include a primary tumour.

At least one of the tumours may be a metastatic or secondary tumour of aprimary tumour. The secondary cancer may be located in any organ ortissue, and particularly those organs or tissues having relativelyhigher hemodynamic pressures, such as lung, liver, kidney, pancreas,bowel and brain.

Other examples of cancer include blastoma (including medulloblastoma andretinoblastoma), sarcoma (including liposarcoma and synovial cellsarcoma), neuroendocrine tumors (including carcinoid tumors, gastrinoma,and islet cell cancer), mesothelioma, schwannoma (including acousticneuroma), meningioma, adenocarcinoma, melanoma, leukemia or lymphoidmalignancies, lung cancer including small-cell lung cancer (SGLG),non-small cell lung cancer (NSGLG), adenocarcinoma of the lung andsquamous carcinoma of the lung, cancer of the peritoneum, hepatocellularcancer, gastric or stomach cancer including gastrointestinal cancer,pancreatic cancer, glioblastoma, ovarian cancer, liver cancer, bladdercancer, hepatoma, breast cancer (including metastatic breast cancer),colon cancer, rectal cancer, colorectal cancer, salivary glandcarcinoma, kidney or renal cancer, prostate cancer, thyroid cancer,hepatic carcinoma, anal carcinoma, penile carcinoma, testicular cancer,oesophageal cancer, tumors of the biliary tract, as well as head andneck cancer.

In one particularly preferred embodiment, the cancer is primary orsecondary prostate cancer, the isoflavonoid is idronoxil and theformulation is in the form of a suppository having a suppository baseformed from, or consisting of Theobroma oil (cocoa butter). Theidronoxil may be contained in the suppository in an amount of 400 mg or800 mg. The idronoxil may be given once or twice daily for a period of 2to 4 weeks, or for up to 12 months.

In one embodiment, the treatment provides for an inhibition of increasein prostate specific antigen (PSA) score, or for inhibition of tumourgrowth. In one embodiment the treatment provides for a reduction in PSAscore, preferably a 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or 100% reduction in PSAscore.

D. Irradiation

As described herein, the invention includes the step of irradiating theindividual requiring treatment with a cytotoxic dose of ionisingradiation so that fewer than all of the tumours are irradiated, therebyresulting in the individual having irradiated and non-irradiatedtumours.

Methods for the selective irradiation of tumours are very well known inthe art. Methods such as stereotactic radiotherapy enable the precisefocussing and delivery of an ionising beam of radiation to a particularanatomic or histologic region of tissue or organ and in particularenabling the irradiation of a tumour in one tissue or organ but notanother tumour in the same tissue or organ.

Radiation therapy, radiotherapy, or radiation oncology is therapy usingionizing radiation, generally as part of cancer treatment to control orkill malignant cells. Radiation may be prescribed by a radiationoncologist for curative, adjuvant, neoadjuvant, therapeutic, orpalliative treatment. It is also common to combine radiation therapywith surgery, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, immunotherapy or somemixture of the four. Most common cancer types can be treated withradiation therapy in some way. The precise treatment intent (curative,adjuvant, neoadjuvant, therapeutic, or palliative) will depend on thetumor type, location, and stage, as well as the general health of thepatient. Total body irradiation (TBI) is a radiation therapy techniqueused to prepare the body to receive a bone marrow transplant. However,the disclosed methods generally involve the use of targeted, localizedradiation therapy to promote an abscopal effect.

The amount of radiation used in photon radiation therapy is measured ingray (Gy), and varies depending on the type and stage of cancer beingtreated. For curative cases, the typical dose for a solid epithelialtumor ranges from 60 to 80 Gy, while lymphomas are treated with 20 to 40Gy. Preventive (adjuvant) doses are typically around 45-60 Gy in 1.8-2Gy fractions (for breast, head, and neck cancers.) Many other factorsare considered by radiation oncologists when selecting a dose, includingwhether the patient is receiving chemotherapy, patient comorbidities,whether radiation therapy is being administered before or after surgery,and the degree of success of surgery.

Delivery parameters of a prescribed dose are determined during treatmentplanning (part of dosimetry). Treatment planning is generally performedon dedicated computers using specialized treatment planning software.Depending on the radiation delivery method, several angles or sourcesmay be used to sum to the total necessary dose. The planner will try todesign a plan that delivers a uniform prescription dose to the tumor andminimizes dose to surrounding healthy tissues.

The total dose is fractionated (spread out over time) for severalimportant reasons.

Fractionation allows normal cells time to recover, while tumor cells aregenerally less efficient in repair between fractions. Fractionation alsoallows tumor cells that were in a relatively radioresistant phase of thecell cycle during one treatment to cycle into a sensitive phase of thecycle before the next fraction is given. Similarly, tumor cells thatwere chronically or acutely hypoxic (and therefore more radioresistant)may reoxygenate between fractions, improving the tumor cell kill.

In North America, Australia, and Europe, the standard fractionationschedule for adults is 1.8 to 2 Gy per day, five days a week. In somecancer types, prolongation of the fraction schedule over too long canallow for the tumor to begin repopulating, and for these tumor types,including head-and-neck and cervical squamous cell cancers, radiationtreatment is preferably completed within a certain amount of time. Forchildren, a typical fraction size may be 1.5 to 1.8 Gy per day, assmaller fraction sizes are associated with reduced incidence andseverity of late-onset side effects in normal tissues.

In some cases, two fractions per day are used. This schedule, known ashyperfractionation, is used on tumors that regenerate more quickly whenthey are smaller. In particular, tumors in the head-and-neck demonstratethis behavior. One fractionation schedule that is increasingly beingused and continues to be studied is hypofractionation. This is aradiation treatment in which the total dose of radiation is divided intolarge doses. Typical doses vary significantly by cancer type, from 2.2Gy/fraction to 20 Gy/fraction. The logic behind hypofractionation is tolessen the possibility of the cancer returning by not giving the cellsenough time to reproduce and also to exploit the unique biologicalradiation sensitivity of some tumors. One commonly treated site wherethere is very good evidence for such treatment is in breast cancer.

One of the best-known alternative fractionation schedules is ContinuousHyper-fractionated Accelerated Radiation therapy (CHART). CHART, used totreat lung cancer, consists of three smaller fractions per day. Althoughreasonably successful, CHART can be a strain on radiation therapydepartments.

Another increasingly well-known alternative fractionation schedule, usedto treat breast cancer, is called Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation(APBI). APBI can be performed with either brachytherapy or with externalbeam radiation. APBI normally involves two high-dose fractions per dayfor five days, compared to whole breast irradiation, in which a single,smaller fraction is given five times a week over a six-to-seven-weekperiod. An example of APBI where the entire dose is delivered in asingle fraction is TARGIT.

The methods provided herein can be performed with any suitableradiotherapy, including, but not limited to, external beam radiotherapy,also known as teletherapy; sealed source radiotherapy, also known asbrachytherapy; unsealed source radiotherapy; radioisotope therapy; andradioimmunotherapy.

In some embodiments, the radiotherapy is external radiation therapy.Examples of external radiation therapy include, but are not limited to,conventional external beam radiotherapy; three-dimensional conformalradiation therapy (3D-CR.T), which delivers shaped beams to closely fitthe shape of a tumor from different directions; intensity modulatedradiation therapy (IMRT), e.g., helical tomotherapy, which shapes theradiation beams to closely fit the shape of a tumor and also alters theradiation dose according to the shape of the tumor; conformal protonbeam radiation therapy; image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT), which combinesscanning and radiation technologies to provide real time images of atumor to guide the radiation treatment; intraoperative radiation therapy(TORT), which delivers radiation directly to a tumor during surgery;stereotactic radiosurgery, which delivers a large, precise radiationdose to a small tumor area in a single session; hyperfractionatedradiotherapy, e.g., continuous hyperfractionated acceleratedradiotherapy (CHART), in which more than one treatment (fraction) ofradiotherapy are given to a subject per day; and hypofractionatedradiotherapy, in which larger doses of radiotherapy per fraction isgiven but fewer fractions.

In another embodiment, the radiotherapy is internal radiation therapy.Example of internal radiation therapy include, but are not limited to,interstitial, intracavitary, intraluminal, intravenously radiationtherapy, and implant radiation therapy, such as implantation ofradioactive beads, particles, or seeds. In some embodiments, theradiotherapy is sealed source radiotherapy. In another embodiment, theradiotherapy is unsealed source radiotherapy.

In yet another embodiment, the radiotherapy is radioisotope therapy orradioimmunotherapy, where the radiotherapy is performed by administeringa radioisotope parenterally to a subject, e.g., by injecting to asubject a tumor-specific antibody-radioisotope conjugate. Suitableradioisotopes for radioisotope therapy or radioimmunotherapy include,but are not limited to, 72As, i98Au, 206Bi, 77Br, C, i4C, 47Ca, i29Ce,137Ce, 55Co, 56Co, 57Co, 58Co, 60Co, 51Cr, 6iCu, 16 9Er/t8F, 52Fe, 55Fe,59Fe, 67Ga, u % u % i % min, i921r, 8i r, i 77Lu, 52Mg, I, 22Na, 24Na,57NL 550, 32P, 203Pb, 103Pd, 8 [Rb, 72Se, 7 Se, 75Se, [53Sm, 89Sr, 90Sr,T, “Tc, 201 TI, i 67Tm, 90Y, 62Zn, and I3 Xe. Examples of reagents forradioisotope therapy and radioimmunotherapy include, but not limited to,metaiodobenzylguanidine, oral iodine-131, hormone-bound lutetium-177 andyttrium-90, ibritumomab tiuxetan, tositumomab iodine-131, radioactiveglass or resins, and radioactive nanoparticles.

The choice of the radiation therapy can be determined by taking intoconsideration various factors, including, e.g., the type, size, andlocation of the tumor, the age, weight, and condition of the subjectbeing treated. It is understood that the precise dose of the radiationand duration of treatment may vary with the age, weight, and conditionof the subject being treated, and may be determined empirically usingknown testing protocols or by extrapolation from in vivo or in vitrotest or diagnostic data. It is also understood that the total radiationdose required is often divided into two or more fractions, which areadministered over an extended period of time. It is further understoodthat for any particular individual, specific dosage regimens could beadjusted over time according to the individual need and the professionaljudgment of the person administering or supervising the administrationof the radiation.

In some embodiments, the total dose given in the radiotherapy is rangingfrom about 40 Gy to about 80 Gy. In certain embodiments, the total doseis divided into fractions and each fraction can be the same ordifferent. Each fraction ranges from about 0.5 Gy to about 50 Gy.

In one embodiment the method includes the steps of:

-   -   assessing at least some of the tumours to determine at least one        tumour for irradiation with the cytotoxic dose of ionising        radiation; and    -   selecting at least one of the assessed tumours for irradiation        with the cytotoxic dose of ionising radiation.

In one embodiment a tumour is assessed according to the size or diameterof the tumour.

In one embodiment the plurality of tumours is assessed according to thedose of radiotherapy required to provide cytoxicity to a tumour of theplurality of tumours.

In one embodiment a tumour is assessed according to anatomical location.

In one embodiment, a tumour selected for irradiation has a longestdiameter of at least 10 mm.

In one embodiment, the one or more non-irradiated tumours are tumoursthat have a diameter of more than 10 mm.

In one embodiment, an irradiated tumour is located in or on the sameorgan, or in or on the same connective tissue as a non-irradiatedtumour.

In one embodiment a primary tumour is irradiated, or a primary tumourand a metastatic tumour are irradiated.

In one embodiment a metastatic tumour is irradiated and a primary tumouris not irradiated.

D. Assessment of Treatment

The invention may include the further step of assessing one or moreorgans or tissues of an individual who has received the compound andirradiation, to determine the regression of a non-irradiated tumour inthe individual. In one embodiment the step utilises radiological imagingto determine the location and volume for each of the plurality of tumorlesions in the subject after irradiation. For example, this can involvethree-dimensional radiological images of the subject registeringgeographic locations of each of the plurality of tumor lesions.Non-limiting examples of radiological images that can be used todetermine location and/or volume of a tumor lesion include positronemission tomography (PET) scans, x-ray computerized tomography (CT),magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), nuclear magnetic resonance imaging(NMRI), magnetic resonance tomography (MRT), or a combination thereof.

In one embodiment, all non-irradiated tumours regress.

In another embodiment, one or more non-irradiated tumours areeliminated.

In another embodiment, all non-irradiated tumours are eliminated.

In certain embodiments, the assessment of treatment follows the RECISTcriteria as follows:

RECIST 1.0 Criteria

Definition of Measurable and Non-Measurable Disease

Measurable disease: The presence of at least one measurable lesion.

Measurable lesion: Lesions that can be accurately measured in at leastone dimension, with the longest diameter (LD) being:

-   -   ≥20 mm with conventional techniques (medical photograph [skin or        oral lesion], palpation, plain X-ray, CT, or MRI),

OR

-   -   ≥10 mm with spiral CT scan.

Non-measurable lesion: All other lesions including lesions too small tobe considered measurable (longest diameter <20 mm with conventionaltechniques or <10 mm with spiral CT scan) including bone lesions,leptomeningeal disease, ascites, pleural or pericardial effusions,lymphangitis cutis/pulmonis, abdominal masses not confirmed and followedby imaging techniques, cystic lesions, or disease documented by indirectevidence only (e.g., by lab values).

Methods of Measurement

Conventional CT and MRI: Minimum sized lesion should be twice thereconstruction interval. The minimum size of a baseline lesion may be 20mm, provided the images are reconstructed contiguously at a minimum of10 mm. MRI is preferred, and when used, lesions must be measured in thesame anatomic plane by use of the same imaging sequences on subsequentexaminations. Whenever possible, the same scanner should be used.

Spiral CT: Minimum size of a baseline lesion may be 10 mm, provided theimages are reconstructed contiguously at 5 mm intervals. Thisspecification applies to the tumors of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis.

Chest X-ray: Lesions on chest X-ray are acceptable as measurable lesionswhen they are clearly defined and surrounded by aerated lung. However,MRI is preferable.

Clinical Examination: Clinically detected lesions will only beconsidered measurable by RECIST criteria when they are superficial(e.g., skin nodules and palpable lymph nodes). In the case of skinlesions, documentation by color photography—including a ruler andpatient study number in the field of view to estimate the size of thelesion—is required.

Baseline Documentation of Target and Non-Target Lesions

All measurable lesions up to a maximum of five lesions per organ and tenlesions in total, representative of all involved organs, should beidentified as target lesions and recorded and measured at baseline.

Target lesions should be selected on the basis of their size (lesionswith the LD) and their suitability for accurate repeated measurements(either clinically or by imaging techniques).

A sum of the LD for all target lesions will be calculated and reportedas the baseline sum LD. The baseline sum LD will be used as a referenceby which to characterize the objective tumor response.

All other lesions (or sites of disease) should be identified asnon-target lesions and should also be recorded at baseline. Measurementsof these lesions are not required, but the presence or absence of eachshould be noted throughout follow-up.

Documentation of indicator lesion(s) should include date of assessment,description of lesion site, dimensions, and type of diagnostic studyused to follow lesion(s).

All measurements should be taken and recorded in metric notation, usinga ruler or calipers.

Response Criteria

Disease assessments are to be performed every 6 weeks after initiatingtreatment. However, subjects experiencing a partial or complete responsemust have a confirmatory disease assessment at least 28 days later.Assessment should be performed as close to 28 days later (as schedulingallows), but no earlier than 28 days.

Definitions for assessment of response for target lesion(s) are asfollows:

Evaluation of Target Lesions

Complete Response (CR)—disappearance of all target lesions.

Partial Response (PR)—at least a 30% decrease in the sum of the LD oftarget lesions, taking as a reference, the baseline sum LD.

Stable Disease (SD)—neither sufficient shrinkage to qualify for PR norsufficient increase to qualify for progressive disease (PD), taking as areference, the smallest sum LD since the treatment started. Lesions,taking as a reference, the smallest sum LD recorded since the treatmentstarted or the appearance of one or more new lesions.

Evaluation of Non-Target Lesions

Definitions of the criteria used to determine the objective tumorresponse for non-target lesions are as follows:

Complete Response—the disappearance of all non-target lesions.

Incomplete Response/Stable Disease—the persistence of one or morenon-target lesion(s).

Progressive Disease—the appearance of one or more new lesions and/orunequivocal progression of existing non-target lesions.

Evaluation of Overall Response for RECIST-Based Response

The overall response is the best response recorded from the start of thetreatment until disease progression/recurrence is documented. Ingeneral, the subject's best response assignment will depend on theachievement of both measurement and confirmation criteria.

The following table presents the evaluation of best overall response forall possible combinations of tumor responses in target and non-targetlesions with or without the appearance of new lesions.

Target Overall Lesion Non-Target Lesion New Lesion response CR CR No CRCR Incomplete response/(SD) No PR PR Non-PD No PR SD Non-PD No SD PD AnyYes or No PD Any PD Yes of No PD Any Any Yes PD

Note: Subjects with a global deterioration of health status requiringdiscontinuation of treatment without objective evidence of diseaseprogression at that time should be classified as having “symptomaticdeterioration”. Every effort should be made to document the objectiveprogression even after discontinuation of treatment.

In some circumstances, it may be difficult to distinguish residualdisease from normal tissue. When the evaluation of complete responsedepends on this determination, it is recommended that the residuallesion be investigated (fine needle aspirate/biopsy) to confirm thecomplete response status.

Confirmation Criteria

To be assigned a status of PR or CR, a confirmatory disease assessmentshould be performed no less than 28 days after the criteria for responseare first met.

To be assigned a status of SD, follow-up measurements must have met theSD criteria at least once after study entry at a minimum interval of 12weeks.

E. Immunotherapy and Anti-Cancer Agents

In certain embodiments, the invention may include the administration ofan immunotherapeutic agent (such as an antibody or cytokine) and/or theadministration of a small molecule chemotherapeutic agent.

In some embodiments, the subject of the disclosed methods is furthertreated with an immunotherapy to enhance the abscopal effect. Forexample, dendritic cells (DCs) represent unique antigen-presenting cellscapable of activating T cells to both new and recall antigens. In fact,these cells are the most potent antigen-presenting cells. The goal of DCbased cancer immunotherapy is to use the cells to prime specificantitumor immunity through the generation of effector cells that attackand lyse tumors.

Therefore, in some embodiments, the disclosed methods further involveadministering DCs to the subject. In some embodiments, the DCs areadministered directly to the tumor lesion site(s) being irradiated. Insome embodiments, the DCs are administered systemically or to tumorsite(s) in addition to or distinct from the sites being irradiated.

Additional immunotherapeutic approaches include 1) use of exogenouscytokines to non-specifically stimulate the immune system's effectorcells to mount an anti-tumor response, 2) introduction ofimmuno-stimulatory antigens to precipitate a targeted immune response(i.e. active immunization or tumor vaccination), 3) exogenous expansionand reinfusion of tumor-specific immune cells (adoptive immunotherapy),4) immune system checkpoint modulation, and 5) use of cancer-killing andimmune system-stimulating modified viruses (oncolytic immunotherapy).Vaccination with telomerase vaccine (GV1001) can be combined with animmune adjuvant, e.g., granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor(GM-CSF), and a cycle of gemcitabine chemotherapy.

Immunostimulatory cytokines include interferon alpha (IFN-α) andinterleukin-2 (IL-2).

Anticancer vaccines can facilitate tumor antigen recognition and asubsequent anti-tumor immune response by artificially introducingtumor-associated antigens to the body, or cellular equipment that canhelp expose those already present. Artificially introduced antigens cantake the form of peptide fragments, whole proteins, cell lysates orwhole cells. For example, telomerase is highly expressed in essentiallyall cancer forms, while the expression in normal tissues is restricted.Moreover, telomerase activity is considered indispensable for tumorimmortalization and growth. Human telomerase reverse transcriptase(hTERT), the rate-limiting subunit of the telomerase complex, istherefore an attractive target for cancer vaccination.

GV1001, a peptide vaccine representing a 16-aa hTERT sequence, bindsmultiple HLA class II molecules and harbors putative HLA class Iepitopes. The peptide may therefore elicit combined CD4/CD8 T-cellresponses, considered important to initiate tumor eradication andlong-term memory.

Adoptive cell therapy (ACT) involves harvesting autologous lymphocytesfrom a patient's tumor or peripheral blood, expanding them and possiblymodifying them in-vitro to express tumor-associated antigen receptors orsecrete specific cytokines, and reintroducing them back into the host.The adoptive transfer of autologous tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL)or in vitro re-directed peripheral blood mononuclear cells has been usedto successfully treat patients with advanced solid tumors, includingmelanoma and colorectal carcinoma, as well as patients withCD19-expressing hematologic malignancies.

Immunomodulatory monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapies include cytotoxicT-Lymphocyte Antigen-4 (CTLA-4) inhibition (e.g., ipilimumab),Programmed Death-1 (PD-1) inhibition (e.g., nivolumab andpembrolizumab), CD40 agonism, OX40 agonism, Lymphocyte Activation Gene-3(LAG-3) and T cell Immunoglobulin Mucin-3 (TIM-3) inhibition, andTolllike receptor agonists. CTLA-4 is a T cell receptor that naturallyinteracts with B7-1 (CD-80) and B7-2 (CD-86) on the surface of antigenpresenting cells, thereby down-regulating the T cell response andavoiding potential autoimmune damage. A costimulatory T cell surfaceprotein, CD-28, on the other hand, competes with CTLA-4, albeit withless affinity, for interaction with B7-1 and B7-2, activating the Tcell. Blocking CTLA-4 thereby allows CD-28 to interact with B7-1 andB7-2, enhancing the body's cellular immune response and ability toeradicate tumor cells. For poorly immunogenic tumors, CTLA-4 blockademay be effective if used in combination with vaccination with irradiatedtumor cells modified to produce GM-CSF.

PD-1 receptor is expressed on B, T, and NK cells, and interacts withProgrammed Death Ligands-1 and -2 (PDL-1 and -2), often subversivelyexpressed on melanoma cells, to induce T cell exhaustion anddown-regulate the immune response. By blocking PD-1, these medicationsfacilitate a more vigorous anti-tumor cellular immune response. CD40 isa costimulatory receptor of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) familynormally expressed on a variety of cells including dendritic cells andmacrophages. Interaction with its ligand plays a key role in priming andproliferation of antigen-specific CD4 T cells. When expressed on tumorcells, its stimulation results in apoptosis. Thus, CD40-stimulating mAbs(e.g., CD-870873) have direct anti-tumor activity and induce tumorantigen-specific T cell responses. LAG-3 is a transmembrane proteinexpressed on T regulatory (T reg) cells that binds MHC II, oftenexpressed on melanoma cells, thereby enhancing T reg activity,negatively regulating the cellular immune response, and protectingmelanoma cells from apoptosis. Blocking LAG-3 could thus help the bodyfight tumor cells on two fronts. Another class of immunomodulators actupon TLRs, a group of cell-surface receptors found on sentinel immunecells like dendritic cells and macrophages that naturally activate aninnate immune response upon contact with characteristic pathogen-relatedantigens. Topical treatment of melanoma with Imiquimod (IMQ), a TLR-7agonist, has been shown to facilitate 1) tumor infiltration with immuneeffector cells such as activated, cytotoxic plasmacytoid DCs, 2) a typeI IFN response, 3) anti-angiogenic defenses, and in some cases result incomplete tumor regression.

The blockade of TGF-β by anti-TGF-β antibody can synergistically enhancetumor vaccine efficacy, which is mediated by CD8+ T cells. For example,fresolimumab is an antibody capable of neutralizing all human isoformsof transforming growth factor beta (TGF) and has demonstrated anticanceractivity.

Generating optimal “killer” CD8 T cell responses also requires T cellreceptor activation plus co-stimulation, which can be provided throughligation of tumor necrosis factor receptor family members, includingOX40 (CD134) and 4-IBB (CD137). OX40 is of particular interest astreatment with an activating (agonist) anti-OX40 mAb augments T celldifferentiation and cytolytic function leading to enhanced anti-tumorimmunity against a variety of tumors.

Numerous anti-cancer drugs are available for combination with thepresent method and compositions. The following is a non-exhaustive listof anti-cancer (anti-neoplastic) drugs that can be used in conjunctionwith irradiation: Acivicin; Aclarubicin; Acodazole Hydrochloride;AcrQnine; Adozelesin; Aldesleukin; Altretamine; Ambomycin; AmetantroneAcetate; Aminoglutethimide; Amsacrine; Anastrozole; Anthramycin;Asparaginase; Asperlin; Azacitidine; Azetepa; Azotomycin; Batimastat;Benzodepa; Bicalutamide; BisantreneHydrochloride; Bisnafide Dimesylate;Bizelesin; Bleomycin Sulfate; Brequinar Sodium; Bropirimine; Busulfan;Cactinomycin; Calusterone; Caracemide; Carbetimer; Carboplatin;Carmustine; Carubicin Hydrochloride; Carzelesin; Cedefingol;Chlorambucil; Cirolemycin; Cisplatin; Cladribine; Crisnatol Mesylate;Cyclophosphamide; Cytarabine; Dacarbazine; Dactinomycin; DaunorubicinHydrochloride; Decitabine; Dexormaplatin; Dezaguanine; DezaguanineMesylate; Diaziquone; Docetaxel; Doxorubicin; Doxorubicin Hydrochloride;Droloxifene; Droloxifene Citrate; Dromostanolone Propionate; Duazomycin;Edatrexate; Eflomithine Hydrochloride; Elsamitrucin; Enloplatin;Enpromate; Epipropidine; Epirubicin Hydrochloride; Erbulozole;Esorubicin Hydrochloride; Estramustine; Estramustine Phosphate Sodium;Etanidazole; Ethiodized Oil I 131; Etoposide; Etoposide Phosphate;Etoprine; Fadrozole Hydrochloride; Fazarabine; Fenretinide; Floxuridine;Fludarabine Phosphate; Fluorouracil; Flurocitabine; Fosquidone;Fostriecin Sodium; Gemcitabine; GemcitabineHydrochloride; Gold Au 198;Hydroxyurea; Idarubicin Hydrochloride; Ifosfamide; Ilmofosine;Iproplatin; Irinotecan Hydrochloride; Lanreotide Acetate; Letrozole;Leuprolide Acetate; Liarozole Hydrochloride; Lometrexol Sodium;Lomustine; Losoxantrone Hydrochloride; Masoprocol; Maytansine;Mechlorethamine Hydrochloride; Megestrol Acetate; Melengestrol Acetate;Melphalan; Menogaril; Mercaptopurine; Methotrexate; Methotrexate Sodium;Metoprine; Meturedepa; Mitindomide; Mitocarcin; Mitocromin; Mitogillin;Mitomalcin; Mitomycin; Mitosper; Mitotane; Mitoxantrone Hydrochloride;Mycophenolic Acid; Nocodazole; Nogalamycin; Ormaplatin; Oxisuran;Paclitaxel; Pegaspargase; Peliomycin; Pentamustine; Peplomycin Sulfate;Perfosfamide; Pipobroman; Piposulfan; Piroxantrone Hydrochloride;Plicamycin; Plomestane; Porfimer Sodium; Porfiromycin; Prednimustine;ProcarbazineHydrochloride; Puromycin; Puromycin Hydrochloride;Pyrazofurin; Riboprine; Rogletimide; Safmgol; Safingol Hydrochloride;Semustine; Simtrazene; Sparfosate Sodium; Sparsomycin; SpirogermaniumHydrochloride; Spiromustine; Spiroplatin; Streptonigrin; Streptozocin;Strontium Chloride Sr 89; Sulofenur; Talisomycin; Taxane; Taxoid;Tecogalan Sodium; Tegafur; Teloxantrone Hydrochloride; Temoporfin;Teniposide; Teroxirone; Testolactone; Thiamiprine; Thioguanine;Thiotepa; Tiazofurin; Tirapazamine; Topotecan Hydrochloride; ToremifeneCitrate; Trestolone Acetate; Triciribine Phosphate; Trimetrexate;Trimetrexate Glucuronate; Triptorelin; Tubulozole Hydrochloride; UracilMustard; Uredepa; Vapreotide; Verteporfin; Vinblastine Sulfate;Vincristine Sulfate; Vindesine; Vindesine Sulfate; Vinepidine Sulfate;Vinglycinate Sulfate; Vinleurosine Sulfate; Vinorelbine Tartrate;Vinrosidine Sulfate; Vinzolidine Sulfate; Vorozole; Zeniplatin;Zinostatin; Zorubicin Hydrochloride.

In one embodiment of the invention, the individual receives carboplatinand idronoxil.

In one embodiment of the invention, the individual receives granulocytemacrophage colony stimulating factor (GMCSF) and idronoxil.

In one embodiment of the invention, the individual receives granulocytemacrophage colony stimulating factor (GMCSF), idronoxil and carboplatin.

It will be understood that the invention disclosed and defined in thisspecification extends to all alternative combinations of two or more ofthe individual features mentioned. All of these different combinationsconstitute various alternative aspects of the invention.

EXAMPLES Example 1

Individuals selected for treatment have late-stage, metastatic, solid(non-haematologic) cancer with no standard therapeutic alternativesother than palliative radiotherapy for pain or symptom relief. Theindividuals have a minimum of 3 measurable lesions that are amenable toradiotherapy (RT) and a projected minimum life expectancy of 12 weeks.

Idronoxil is self-administered at home as a rectal suppository.Individuals are instructed in the procedure of suppositoryadministration.

Dosage is 400 mg daily (1× idronoxil containing suppository daily) for 7consecutive days followed by 800 mg daily (1 idronoxil containingsuppository twice daily) for 7 consecutive days.

One of 3 measurable lesions, or a maximum 2 of 4 or more measurablelesions will receive 25 Gy by external beam RT in 5 fractionated dosesover 5 consecutive days. Multiple lesions are irradiated concurrently.

After a 14-day treatment cycle follow-up CT scans and clinicalassessments are made 6- and 12-weeks post the completion of thetreatment cycle.

Efficacy is assessed based on tumour response utilising CT scans andstandard RECIST criteria and ECOG status. Tumour response is assessed bystandard RECIST criteria; specifically, target lesions are the largestlesions (up to a maximum of 7 lesions) and are measured. Non-targetlesions are all other lesions and are noted but not measured.

1-33. (canceled)
 34. A method for inducing an abscopal response toradiotherapy in an individual, including: irradiating an individualhaving a plurality of tumors, and who has received idronoxil, with acytotoxic dose of ionising radiation so that fewer than all of theplurality of tumors are irradiated, thereby resulting in the individualhaving irradiated and non-irradiated tumors, wherein at least one of thetumors is a primary tumor, and at least one of the tumors is ametastatic or secondary tumor of a primary tumor; wherein at least oneof the primary, or metastatic or secondary tumors, is a prostate tumor;wherein idronoxil is administered to the individual about 12 to 24 hoursbefore irradiating the individual; wherein one or more non-irradiatedtumors regress following administration of idronoxil and the irradiationof the individual, thereby inducing an abscopal response to radiotherapyin the individual.
 35. The method of claim 34, wherein the one or morenon-irradiated tumors are tumors that have a diameter of more than 10mm.
 36. The method of claim 34, wherein all non-irradiated tumorsregress.
 37. The method of claim 34, wherein one or more non-irradiatedtumors are eliminated.
 38. The method of claim 34, wherein allnon-irradiated tumors are eliminated.
 39. The method of claim 34,wherein an irradiated tumor is located in or on the same organ, or in oron the same connective tissue as a non-irradiated tumor.
 40. The methodof claim 34, wherein a primary tumor is irradiated.
 41. The method ofclaim 40, wherein a primary tumor and a metastatic tumor are irradiated.42. The method of claim 34, wherein a metastatic tumor is irradiated anda primary tumor is not irradiated.
 43. The method of claim 34 includingthe steps of: assessing at least some of the tumors to determine atleast one tumor for irradiation with the cytotoxic dose of ionisingradiation; and selecting at least one of the assessed tumors forirradiation with the cytotoxic dose of ionising radiation.
 44. Themethod of claim 43, wherein a tumor is assessed according to the size ordiameter of the tumor.
 45. The method according to claim 43, wherein theplurality of tumors is assessed according to the dose of radiotherapyrequired to provide cytotoxicity to a tumor of the plurality of tumors.46. The method according to claim 43, wherein a tumor is assessedaccording to anatomical location.
 47. The method according to claim 43,wherein the plurality of tumors are assessed according to the expressionof one or more biomarkers.
 48. The method of claim 43, wherein the tumorselected for irradiation has a longest diameter of at least 10 mm. 49.The method of claim 34, including the further step of: assessing one ormore organs or tissues of an individual who has received the compoundand irradiation, to determine the regression of a non-irradiated tumorin the individual.
 50. The method of claim 34, wherein the compound isadministered to the individual in an amount of about 10 to 30 mg/kg. 51.The method of claim 34, wherein idronoxil is administered to theindividual in a daily amount of about 100 to 900 mg.
 52. The method ofclaim 51, wherein idronoxil is administered to the individual in a dailyamount of about 400 or 800 mg.
 53. The method of claim 34, whereinidronoxil is administered to the individual for a period of up to 14days before the commencement of radiotherapy.
 54. The method of claim53, wherein idronoxil is administered to the individual for a period of1 to 7 days before the commencement of radiotherapy.
 55. The method ofclaim 34, wherein idronoxil is administered to the individual on eachday that radiotherapy is given.
 56. The method of claim 34, whereinidronoxil is administered to the individual for a period of up to 3months post the final radiotherapy treatment.
 57. The method of claim56, wherein idronoxil is administered to the individual for about 14days post the final radiotherapy treatment.
 58. The method of claim 34,wherein idronoxil is administered to the individual by rectaladministration.